Galena Boulevard Project
Study Background
The City has attained federal funding (Surface Transportation Program – Local (STP-L), Surface Transportation Program – Shared Fund (STP-SF) and Transportation Alternative Program (TAP)) to replace deteriorated traffic signal equipment, add intersection channelization, and connect a multi-use path .To qualify for the federal funding, the City is preparing studies in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and in accordance with Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Bureau of Local Roads & Streets (BLRS) policies and procedures.
Project Purpose
The purpose of the project is to modernize the obsolete and deteriorated traffic signal equipment, improve pedestrian and bicycle mobility, and enhance corridor efficiency. The proposed improvements are needed to improve safety for both vehicular and non-motorized traffic.
Proposed Improvements
The goal of the project is to replace the deteriorated traffic signal equipment with new equipment, including high visibility backplates and flashing yellow arrow (FYA) signal heads at the 12 applicable intersections on Galena Boulevard between Constitution Drive and Locust Street. In addition, this project includes ADA accessibility improvements and filling sidewalk gaps to improve walkability. Bicycle accommodations will be provided within the project limits from Constitution Drive to Edgelawn Drive to connect existing bikeways and trails.
1. Flashing Yellow Arrow
The Federal Highway Administration conducted a national study that shows the Flashing Yellow Arrow (FYA) signal helps prevent crashes, moves more traffic through an intersection, and provides additional traffic management flexibility. The flashing yellow arrow phase of the signal gives drivers a more obvious indication that the vehicle may turn left but should do so with caution as oncoming traffic will have a green light.
2. Section 106
Historic resources are protected under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. All information will be available on known historic resources that may be affected by the proposed project. A Historic Resource Map is linked below.
3. Section 4(f)
Section 4(f) is the federal act that protects publicly owned parks, recreation areas, and wildlife and waterfowl refuges. Section 4(f) guidelines will need to be followed on this project due to a temporary occupation of Blackhawk Park. To meet ADA sidewalk design standards the sidewalk will need to be removed and replaced.
Schedule
The project is currently reaching the end steps of Phase 1 Preliminary Engineering, and should have Phase 1 Design Approval by the end of 2024. Phase 2 will follow and is anticipated to be completed in 2025. Due to funding constraints, the project will likely be split into 2 stages. Stage 1 will construct the western portion and is anticipated to begin construction in 2026. Stage 2 will construct the eastern portion and is anticipated to begin construction in 2028-2029. All schedules are subject to change pending funding availability and right-of-way acquisition.
Public Information Meeting
An open house public information meeting will be held on Thursday, June 27th, 2024 at Aurora City Hall – 5th Floor Conference Room, 44 E. Downer Place, Aurora IL, 60505. The public may stop by the open house meeting anytime between 4:00 and 6:00 P.M. The purpose of the Public Information Meeting is to present the purpose and need for the projects, the proposed improvements, findings of the environmental studies, anticipated property impacts, and obtain public input.
